Wotcha foggers...
There might be a possibility that we could do a hog roast at the August weekender, if James is up for it as he has the machine...which would be brill, but presents a kinda problem in as to how we sort the piggy funding to do this if you guys are up for it.
Historically we have always done a system where by everyone brings stuff, and the supplies list was then introduced as we suffered the "me man, me bring meat" syndrome at one PITW, where we had hundreds of dead stuff, but not a roll in sight. This has worked well I think, and we have only had a few last minute shops where peeps didnt make it and had pledged to bring stuff. It is a nice idea to, bit like a bring a bottle party but with grub, and bottles as well of course.
The piggy thing made me think though as to whether we should do this a different way as from the next weekender, and this is what I wanted your thoughts on.
What I was wondering is whether to consider doing a food inclusive system, whereby the food and things needed would be sourced centrally, which would obviously mean a change in prices, but which could then take in things like a piggy for the hog roast.
Whether this is just for weekenders or the picnics as well, I dont know, but it could have some advantages.
We have a great meat catering supplier just up the yard (remember the bangers and bacon and stuff that Lloyd and lewis used to bring?)...and it could mean we get better value £ for £ buying in bulk and the quality of there stuff is really good. Other stuff could be sourced from cash n carry.
Planning of meals, timing etc would be easier if we knew what we were doing and what we had before hand, and it could make organising easier where we are getting members from FOG, ITOC and Invicta 4x4 as well.
There would have to be a few concessions if we were to think about it this happening though...
Firstly...Payment up front...
We have had meets where people have dropped out at the last minute or not turned up, for whatever reason, which has at times meant we havent even covered costs, but its too late in the day when folk are already there to call off the meet, and I not prepared to leave myself/sally open to any more liability. What I mean is we could do a substantial amount of money on food ready for an event, and then get bitten if people dont show.
So a non refundable deposit or maybe even full payment up front would be essential. Dont know amounts wise yet, it would be something that I would work out, but this would take in charcoal and ALL the catering side of stuff. Price would depend on numbers too I would guess, as buying for a weekender could get better deals than a single day picnic I would think, but I would guess that most would end up spending around what they spend on food currently.
Secondly...Who's sorting it...
No offence intended folks, but its gonna have to be Sally and I, as we are the only ones I can 100% guarantee are gonna be there...and for whatever reason we cant risk any problems as this would impact on every one at the meet and cause major hassles.
Thirdly...
The first sign of anyone biatching about "i dont like this" or "i didnt get a burger as I was fixing my car and then they were all gone" would result in either going back to how things are, or me getting my mate chris to bring his burger van down, and we would forget the BBQ's. We would be much more organsied with this, so everyone will know when grub times are and more than enough would be prepared. No opt outs either, I dont what to feel like I have to check whos had what all weekend/day to make sure no-one is takin the pee, so if the price would be for the event including food. Veggy option would need to be catered for also to be fair, but I am sure that we knock enough green stuff down in a day to prepare something!
Fourthly
I aint cooking... (for everyones sake)
What are your thoughts fellas and fella-eses?
Do we stick how we are, or do I explore doing the buying centrally going forwards and come up with rough prices?
In honesty I dont think it would make much difference money wise to most, as sooner than buying at retail prices and buying in bulk then I would think most would get more for their money that they normally spend on grub, and savings could mean that we could stock pile charcoal and anything thats seasonal, maybe even buy a pallet of the stuff.
I am divided in honesty, its gotta mean more work for Sally and me, but could make things better and mean stuff is more organised at the meets.
I do like the whole "everyone bringing stuff" thing...its nice... and it works well in the main, but also the system for the BBQ at the annual works well to which is kinda priced into the weekend. Pricing is never gonna be the same as the annual mind, due to our costs Vs numbers, and the annual gets really great numbers.
What do you reckon guys, stay as we are, do it grub inclusive, starve or chris' burger van?
PLEASE NOTE>>>>
This is hypothetical at the mo, and is not relating the Weekender in a few days time...this is about the future...